A 'Bullet-Resistant' Laptop Backpack
Just learned of the 'bullet-resistant' backpack from MJ Safety Solutions. The product's makers claim the backpack offers protection from gun and knife attacks. The $195 backpack--which includes a padded laptop compartment--was created to protect students in the post-Columbine era.
I find this product ingenious and exploitative, comforting and discomforting, all at the same time. Take a look at the company's YouTube video below. What's your opinion of this product?
It's a sad comment about our society that this product has to be advertised, much less invented, for the times in which we live.
Posted by: chuck | December 03, 2007 at 12:22 PM
I wonder about the true efficacy of the "lightweight" armor.
I've personally handled quite a bit of kevlar in the past and it's not metal but cloth.
The demonstrations showed edged and pointed weapons plus pistols and small-caliber rifles.
It would probably do well against shotguns, too.
But it would probably be no stronger than paper against high-powered rifles.
Posted by: smilodino | December 22, 2007 at 01:51 AM
It is exploitative and likely would be ineffective. The person being shot at would have to be expecting the bullet and have the presence of mind and strength to hold the pack up for protection. It would not protect the legs and after the first bullet to the leg the pack would be dropped. It does not seem like an effective way to protect frightened teenagers (or adults). It certainly is a shame that someone thinks it is necessary, or at least that it will sell. It would be far better to keep guns away from potential shooters (ie most of the population!).
Posted by: Andy | December 22, 2007 at 11:07 AM
This is a great product, anything that adds ay protection at all should be seriously considered. In an "Active Shooter" incident, if you're not one of the first victims, you are running, and your back is presented to the shooter...this product would work...if the exit is between you and the shooter, then crouch down and stat praying, at least you would be protected from deliberate shot to the torso, wild shots and ricochets....
Posted by: Rob | December 22, 2007 at 11:34 AM
What a sad and horrible time it is when we have to invent a product such as this to protect our children. I applaud the makers and am hopeful that there will never again be the day when this pack has to be used for real. The next step is making it affordable to everyone who feels the need to own one.
Posted by: Karen | December 22, 2007 at 02:58 PM
What a sad and horrible time it is when we have to invent a product such as this to protect our children. I applaud the makers and am hopeful that there will never again be the day when this pack has to be used for real. The next step is making it affordable to everyone who feels the need to own one.
Posted by: Karen | December 22, 2007 at 02:59 PM
Blaming guns for columbine is like Rosie O'Donell blaming spoons for being fat.
Posted by: Exterminator | December 22, 2007 at 04:47 PM
I'd like to get one. My notebook is worth plenty $$$. If my backpack gets shot, I wanna know that my expensive computer is safe!
Posted by: Woopy | December 22, 2007 at 07:30 PM
I wish I had this last week!
I was running from the bank (because I was in a rush), and some stupid cop shot me in the back.
Darn! Gonna be holed up in my buddy's house for at least a month! And he doesn't even have cable!
Posted by: gangsta | January 02, 2008 at 04:22 PM
With the Finland shooting, these seem to be pretty worth while.
Posted by: Tracy | September 26, 2008 at 08:18 AM
With the Finland shooting, these seem to be pretty worth while.
Posted by: Tracy | September 26, 2008 at 08:19 AM